TWO weeks before the hosting of the 30th Southeast Asian Games from November 30 to December 11, Alan Peter Cayetano assured that all is set.
The Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee (PHISGOC) chairman made the assurance on Wednesday during the send-off for the national athletes at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila.
“Handang-handa na ang lahat para sa SEA Games,” said Cayetano, hoping to deliver the biggest SEA Games yet.
It will be the country’s fourth time to host the biennial meet (1981, 1991, 2005). In 1981, the Philippines finished third overall; in 1991, it came one gold medal short to end second overall; and in 2005, finished overall champion.
From the venue, to logistics and security, the PHISGOC chief is confident that the hosting of the biennial meet will be a success.
According to Cayetano, the on-going renovation of the Rizal Memorial Stadium has been non-stop to meet the deadline.
“Sabi ni [PSC] chair Butch [Ramirez] kakayanin, so we’re monitoring it week by week. Twenty-four hours na gumagawa para matapos at umabot but may contingency [plan just in case],” he said.

The traffic plan has already been laid out as well as the suspension of classes near the venues, and they’re waiting for the approval of the president, Rodrigo Duterte.
“MMDA submitted a list of certain areas, hinihintay natin ang Palasyo sa kanilang desisyon,” said Cayetano. “Kasi nga as it is traffic na masyado lalo pa kung may excitement manood ang ating mga kababayan.”
“And syempre iisipin atin ang mga athletes na taga-ibang bansa, hindi sila pwedeng ma-late sa mga venue,” he added. “Gumawa na rin ng recommendation ang MMDA [for suspension of classes].”

As for the security and safety of the participants as well as the spectators, Cayetano said that threats have been already addressed by the security forces.
“It was briefed two [or] three weeks ago, may nabalitaan na mga threats but agad-agad nag-aksyon ang security forces,” he said.
Meanwhile, the outspoken congressman did not confirm what will be boxing champion Manny Pacquiao’s participation in the grand opening ceremony at the Philippine Arena on November 30.
“Yes, I think that’s part of the surprise. But I can confirm, may role siya,” he said. “He’s one of the most known Filipino sports icon sa buong mundo so I think we are selling the country short king hindi natin isasama ang Pambansang Kamao.”
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